Love Louder - Tales of Wonder - AW26

SøEdited Team
Article: Lucy Ashburner
SøEditor-in-Chief: Chris Saint Sims 
​SøFashion Director: Savannah Barthorpe

​LOVE LOUDER

New York is commercial; Paris has strong heritage and Milan is renowned for quality craftsmanship. What is something that sets London Fashion Week apart? Theatrics. Dating back particularly to the days of McQueen, audiences have often been treated to fully-fledged performances unfolding on the runway, and last Saturday afternoon, Love Louder Couture perpetuated this tradition with their AW26 show aptly entitled ‘Tales of Wonder’.
 
A brand headed by Asian artists, Love Louder is committed to immersive storytelling through sustainable designs that are centred around love, passion and beauty. It would prove to be quite the story - a tale of wonder, if you will - that transpired on the runway, one which invoked intense emotion from an inspired crowd.

There was an underlying tone which was maintained throughout the duration - that women are the narrators of their own lives, and they should not be confined to the restraints of society. The message was empowering, and reflected through garments that had been crafted using a diverse range of techniques, including artisanal Chinese methods.
 
When the opening model emerged from behind a deep red curtain (the picturesque setting of Porchester Hall already proving to be the ideal location), she took to the runway in a floor-skimming gown, which had an almost military-style jacket layered beneath. A palette of darker tones continued with the following looks, each adorned with eccentric gothic details, before a being usurped with a bridal theme.
 
It felt as thought the models were floating in the chalky white dresses, with their porcelain makeup complimenting the spirit of the segment. Each gown felt as if it had been taken directly from Wuthering Heights, with somber lace detailing and dark, intricate beading counteracting the purity of the silhouettes. The drama of the show persevered upon the stark transition from white to black garments, with models menacingly stomping down the runway in a series of edgier looks that were accessorised to the max. 
 
It was, with all intents and purposes, a true performance, one which showcased the magnificent clothes in the best possible light. It’s easy to simply send models strutting down a runway, but it takes something more to truly captivate an audience, and Love Louder achieved just that.
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